Video: What is Punctuation? - Rules & Signs

In this lesson, we'll find out what punctuation is. We'll then learn some rules for using the most common punctuation marks as well as review sample sentences utilizing the punctuation rules.2017-09-27

In this lesson, we'll find out what punctuation is. We'll then learn some rules for using the most common punctuation marks as well as review sample sentences utilizing the punctuation rules.

What Is Punctuation?

Punctuation marks are symbols or signs that indicate where pauses, stops, questions, omissions, introductions, and other forms of expression occur in our writing.

Rules for Commonly Used Punctuation

Let's take a look at some rules for the most common punctuation marks in American English:

Period

Use periods ( . ) at the end of sentences to indicate a full stop, like in the sentence:

I like your hat.

Use periods to create abbreviations. For example:

Mister is abbreviated Mr. - like in Mr. Johnson

Comma

Use a comma ( , ) after introductory phrases, in lists to separate three or more items in a series, and as an indicator marking independent and dependent clauses.

In the sentence:

Washing a car is hard work, but the reward is well worth it.

the comma is separating clauses. In the sentence:

To do a good job, you'll need soap, water, wash cloths, and window cleaner.

the first comma is separating the introductory phrase from the rest of the sentence, while the final three commas are separating the individually listed items.

Use a comma to separate the names of cities and states, and between a date and a year:

Minneapolis, Minnesota

April 4, 2013

For example, notice the comma between Minneapolis and Minnesota and the comma between the date (April 4) and the year (2013). However, if you are just using the month and the year (like in April 2013), no comma is used.

Question Mark

Use question marks ( ? ) when asking a direct question, a specific question being asked but not for an indirect question, the restatement of a question previously asked. For example:

Where are you going?

is a direct question being asked and thus uses a question mark. However, the sentence:

He asked me where I was going.

is restating what someone else said and is thus an indirect question, making it a sentence needing a period, not a question mark.

More Punctuation Rules

Semicolon

Use a semicolon ( ; ) to separate independent clauses, to separate items in a series when there's additional punctuation, and when there's a transitional phrase (for example: as a result, even so, in fact) between independent clauses.

In this sentence:

Members came from Fargo, North Dakota; Juno, Alaska; Albany, New York; Miami, Florida; and Newport, Rhode Island.

The semicolons are separating a series of items that have additional punctuation. In the sentence:

More people are adopting dogs; in fact, the local shelter is empty.

the semicolon is used directly after the first independent clause.

Exclamation Point

Use exclamation points ( ! ) for emphasis, for commands, or to show extreme emotion. For example, the exclamation point is used in the sentence:

Stop that right now!

because it is a command. While in the sentence:

Wow! That's a great song.

the exclamation point is being used for emphasis.

Single Quotation Mark

Use single quotation marks (' ') to highlight a phrase or word, like in the sentence:

He was completely honest, telling us 'the good, the bad, and the ugly.'

Apostrophe

Use apostrophes ( ' ) where letters have been left out to create a contraction, show possession, or to clarify plurals. In the sentence:

I can't go.

'can't' is a contraction of cannot. The apostrophe indicates that letters have been removed. In the sentence:

Toby got all A's this quarter.

the apostrophe is clarifying the plural. In:

That book is John's.

the apostrophe denotes possession.

Colon

Use a colon ( : ) after an independent clause (a clause that can stand on its own) to indicate that an explanation or a list will follow. Let's take a look at several examples of the colon in action:

He realized there was only one thing left to do: pack his bags.

Our school staff consists of the following people: the principal, the assistant principal, teachers, the librarian, the secretary, and the janitors.

Parentheses

Use parentheses ( ) to enclose material that is less important than the rest of the sentence. In the sentence:

Max asked for some time to think about it (but he didn't think for long), and then he accepted the job.

'but he didn't think for long' adds some extra detail to the sentence, but it is not necessary information.

Em Dash

Use the em dash (—), a long dash, to set off a list of items or set off a brief thought. Take a look at how the em dash is used in these two sentences to set off some information:

All the boys&emdash;Dave, Mark, Max, and Sam&emdash;left this morning.

You can put your coat and hat&emdash;but not your purse&emdash;in this room.

En Dash

Use the en dash (-), short dash, to mark the area between years and lengths of time, like when writing:

2012-2013

6:30-7:30 PM

Lesson Summary

The English language uses a wide variety of punctuation marks. These punctuation marks—some of which are the period, comma, and colon—are symbols that perform important functions in ensuring that our writing is clear and understandable. Learning the rules associated with the various punctuation marks will not only help you better understand what you read but will also make you a stronger writer.

Summary:

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